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How to Report Abuse or Neglect
Reporting Child Abuse, Neglect & Maltreatment
Anybody can make a voluntary report of suspected child abuse or neglect if that person has reason to believe that a child has been maltreated. Others are mandated to report by statute. The requirements for reporting are outlined in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act.
Should I Make a Report?
If you are unsure whether you should make a report call the intake line at (507) 304-4444. The child protection staff can help you decide if a report should be made based on the information you provide. If you are a voluntary reporter, you can choose to make an anonymous report. The identity of the reporter is always kept confidential
Mandatory Reporting
A mandated reporter must call immediately, but no later than 24 hours, after they suspect that maltreatment may have occurred. The mandated reporter must follow up with a written report within 72 hours. A report can be made to your local county social service agency or to law enforcement.
Child Protection Report Form
Child Protection Report Form - PDF
Reporting Abuse: Immediate Danger
If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, such as recent sexual assault or serious physical assault, or the child is abandoned contact your local law enforcement agency 9-1-1 right away. Law enforcement officers can remove a child from a threatening environment to protect the child.
No Immediate Danger
In some situations, a maltreatment of a child may be suspected but the child is not in immediate danger. If the alleged perpetrator is a parent, guardian, family childcare provider, or family foster care provider, a report to Blue Earth County Human Services can be made as follows:
- Monday through Friday
- 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- By phone at (507) 304-4444
- Fax a report to (507) 304-4305
Maltreatment by Program or Facility Staff
Sometimes there may be concerns for a child that is being served by another program. If the alleged maltreatment was committed by a staff person at one of the following institutions or programs, the report can contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Division of Licensing at (651) 297-4123.
- Childcare center
- Residential treatment center (children's mental health)
- Group home for children
- Minor parent program
- Shelter for children
- Chemical dependency treatment program for adolescents
- Waivered services program for children
- Crisis respite service program for children
- Residential service program for children with developmental disabilities
If the alleged perpetrator is employed by a public preschool, elementary school, middle school, secondary school, or charter school and the child is a student in the school, contact the Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning at (651) 582-8546 or by fax at (651) 634-2277.
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Child and Family Services
Physical Address
410 S. Fifth St.
PO Box 3526
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4222